"Of course I do."

A pause. The other remark was still due.

"Len--"

"Well? What is it?"

"Len, you will make it all right?"

"I can't have you ask me that again," said the boy,
flaring up into a sudden passion. "I've promised to marry
you when I'm of age, and that's enough. My word's my word.
I've promised to marry you as soon as ever I'm twenty-one,
and I can't keep on being worried. I've worries enough. It
isn't likely I'd throw you over, let alone my word, when
I've spent all this money. Besides, I'm an Englishman, and
I never go back on my word. Jacky, do be reasonable. Of
course I'll marry you. Only do stop badgering me."

"When's your birthday, Len?"

"I've told you again and again, the eleventh of November
next. Now get off my knee a bit; someone must get supper, I
suppose."

Jacky went through to the bedroom, and began to see to
her hat. This meant blowing at it with short sharp puffs.
Leonard tidied up the sitting-room, and began to prepare
their evening meal. He put a penny into the slot of the